The world's most legendary roads: from Route 66 to the Garden Route. Routes, tips and the best stops for your road trip.
The world’s most beautiful road trips include Iceland’s Ring Road, Route 66 in the USA, the Amalfi Coast, the Garden Route in South Africa and the North Coast 500 in Scotland. Plan no more than 3–4 hours of driving a day, book accommodation ahead in high season and check whether you need an international driving permit.
A road trip is more than a journey from A to B. It is that feeling when you start the engine in the morning without knowing exactly where you will sleep tonight. The freedom to stop at every viewpoint, turn off spontaneously into a village or simply keep driving because the road is so beautiful.
Road trips let you experience a country in a way no package holiday can. You watch the landscape change slowly, listen to local radio, stop at roadside stalls and discover places that are not in any guidebook. Every kilometre tells a story.
In this guide you will find five of the world's most legendary routes, practical tips on vehicle choice and route planning, a car packing list and an honest budget estimate. Rev the engine – let's go.
From Iceland's Ring Road to Scotland's Highlands – these routes are pure driving pleasure.
Route 1 covers 1,322 km around all of Iceland. Along the way: waterfalls like Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss, the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, geysers, hot springs and black lava beaches. 10–14 days ideal.
The 'Mother Road' from Chicago to Santa Monica is the epitome of the road trip. 3,940 km across eight states, 1950s diners, neon signs and the Grand Canyon as a side trip.
The short 50 km coastal road between Sorrento and Salerno is one of the most beautiful in the world. Tight hairpins along steep cliffs, colourful villages like Positano and the deep blue Mediterranean.
300 km along the south coast from Mossel Bay to Storms River. Lush forests, lagoons, golden beaches and the Big Five at Addo Elephant Park.
830 km through the Scottish Highlands. Rugged coastlines, deserted beaches, medieval castles and whisky distilleries.
From preparation to overnight stays – everything you need for a successful road trip.
What goes in the car – besides your normal luggage.
3 free HolidayGenie tools help you plan: Budget Calculator, Packing List and Holiday Finder. They run directly in your browser and complement the destination tips on this page.
Frequently asked questions
Iceland’s Ring Road: June to August. Route 66: April to June and September to October. Amalfi Coast: May to June and September to October. Garden Route in South Africa: October to April. North Coast 500 in Scotland: May to September.
In Europe a small car is usually the best choice because of narrow roads. For gravel and off-road routes such as Iceland’s highlands you need an SUV or 4x4. A campervan offers maximum flexibility, and when driving on the left an automatic gearbox makes things easier.
Plan your route roughly but flexibly and book accommodation in advance in high season. Check whether you need an international driving permit, choose comprehensive hire-car insurance without excess and download offline maps.
If you like Road Trips, you may also enjoy Adventure Holiday, Camping and Cultural Travel. For every holiday type we show the best destinations with travel season, budget and insider tips.
Start the engine and discover the world's most beautiful roads. Your adventure starts now.
